KOCHI: Former KCBC spokesperson Father Varghese Vallikattu responded to the controversy regarding the selection of LDF candidate Jo Joseph from Thrikkakara constituency. He asked what is the need of special branding if he could compete in with the political power of the Left.

Religious politics distances from democracy. He also said that electoral politics should be shaped by the common good and asked to end verbal disputes surrounding the church.

‘Saying that the candidate was presented in a particular way may have happened due to a particular situation. We do not know whether that is conscious branding or not. Why would one competing under the CPM symbol need such branding? I do not know. If he can compete on the strength of left politics then why special branding.' asked Father Varghese Vallikattu.

However, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said that he did not believe the Catholic Church had nominated a candidate. He further added that such campaigns are being carried out by people vested interests.